WASHINGTON (April 19, 2006)
Congressman Ben Chandler will be at the Mercer County Courthouse on Thursday, April 20th at 2:30 PM to present a Purple Heart decoration and certificate to
PVT First Class Elwood L. Byrd. PVT Byrd was rewarded a Purple Heart after being wounded by enemy forces on May 13, 1968 during his Army service in the
Republic of Vietnam.
Despite his service in Vietnam nearly forty
years ago, PVT Byrd has never received the Purple Heart that he was rewarded by the United States Army.
Chandler’s office was able to contact the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and track down the military service records of PVT Byrd. Contained in his records was a General’s order stating that PVT Byrd be rewarded a Purple Heart.
“From my first day in office, I made it
a top priority to work for America's fighting men and women who have sacrificed so much to ensure our nation's freedom,” said Congressman Chandler. “Individuals such as PVT Byrd should be honored and shown the utmost respect for their service to our
country.”
Unfortunately, PVT Byrd is one of many
Veterans who have not received service medals earned during their military service.
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